3 minute read
Fill Your Tank & Go
The best way to get to know Reading and Berks County is to hit the road. As you navigate our winding blacktops, you’ll discover the wonders and oddities of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. These curiosities make traveling in our region fun and exciting. For the optimum trip experience, allow time for frequent and sudden stops, back-ups, double takes, and lots of “that’s amazing” moments. We can’t wait for you to explore the marvels of our region. Get Curious about Berks County!
@_WILEYSHKA
The Pagoda
By all accounts, the Pagoda is our most curious attraction. For over a century, it has welcomed visitors to the region from its perch atop Mt. Penn. How did this Asian-inspired structure come to watch over the City of Reading and become a beloved landmark? Find the answer with a visit to the Pagoda. While the Pagoda isn’t open to the public, you can walk the grounds, read information about its origin, and see the building close-up from dawn to dusk daily.
@YONDERFANJ
Barn Stars
Seeing stars? Barn stars, that is, on area barns. More commonly known as hex signs, they are the best-known art form of the PA Dutch. Berks County has more colorful barn stars than anywhere else. What do the symbols mean? Follow our Barn Star Art Tour to get the scoop on these popular celestial images.
Pennsylvania Dutch
Horse-drawn buggies, kids tending to roadside stands, distelfinks, shoofly pie, barn stars, and a language that isn’t quite German are just some of the other clues that let you know you’re in PA Dutch country. Enjoy every encounter with our odd, unique, delicious, and fascinating culture and traditions!
Main Streets
Pennsylvania’s Americana Region has five Main Streets, each with a personality all its own. Visit Reading, West Reading, Hamburg, Boyertown, and Kutztown, to uncover the very different temperaments of our favorite thoroughfares. As you get to know our main streets, you’ll better understand our diverse county.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Raptors! Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the first refuge for birds of prey in the world. Pretty cool, right? Come fall, the sanctuary offers the best seat in town, possibly North America, to watch the annual raptor migration. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your binoculars, and head to Hawk Mountain for spectacular views of these magnificent birds as they soar above the mountain. Get ready to be wowed!
Biking Fun
Berks County offers exceptional spots to enjoy all kinds of outdoor fun, like mountain biking on the Greater Reading Trail System (GRTS). The International Mountain Biking Association designated it a Bronze Level Ride Center™, one of only 40 centers worldwide. The trails are meticulously cared for and continue to grow in miles and experiences.
What makes our trails unique? Unlike most mountain biking trails, ours interconnect and provide jump-offs in urban centers. All it takes is one spin to recognize how incredible they are. For railroad lovers, a trip to Berks County wouldn’t be complete without a ride on one of our local trains, or a visit to our Reading Railroad Heritage Museum. The most curious thing about Berks County and trains; despite our history, we no longer have rail service in the region… but we’re working on it!
Self-Guided Tours
Our popular Barn Star Art and Covered Bridge tours offer detailed directions and cool tidbits about local culture and historical sites. The newest addition to our self-guided tours is BrewHaHa. The trail guides craft beer and mead enthusiasts to brew pubs, meaderies, and bars serving locally made beers. Look for more tours and trails to come your way soon.
@ZILL0N
